A recent study from researchers in Israel has identified significant changes experienced by women entering menopause. The study describes this transition as a ‘physiological cliff,’ indicating abrupt alterations in various body systems preceding the last menstrual cycle.
Physiological Changes and Increased Disease Risk
Menopause, marked by the cessation of menstrual periods for at least a year, generally occurs around age 52 in the U.S. but can vary between 45 and 55 years. Researchers found that these rapid body changes point toward a heightened risk of diseases. The study, which appeared in the journal Nature Medicine on October 12, was based on over 300 million lab tests from more than 1 million women in the U.S. and Israel.
Uri Alon, a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science, explained that hormonal changes begin about a decade before menopause. Hormones like Anti-Müllerian and estradiol showed significant declines approximately 15 and 12 years before menopause, respectively. Meanwhile, the follicle-stimulating hormone levels increased around 14 years before menopause.
Biological Systems Affected
The study revealed sudden changes in many systems, including those affecting sex hormones, bone health, liver and kidney function, and blood chemistry. Specifically, bone mineral density decreases, potentially leading to osteoporosis. By age 70, about 25% of women develop osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures from minor falls.
Significant liver changes raise vulnerability to liver disease. Additionally, risks related to heart disease, such as elevated lipids and triglycerides, were noted. On the positive side, there are improvements in iron levels and a reduction in anemia due to the cessation of menstrual bleeding.
Potential Benefits of Hormonal Therapy
Women undergoing menopausal hormone therapy experienced milder changes in bone, liver, and kidney functions. The therapy helps by supplementing the body’s estrogen and progesterone, which drop during menopause. However, Alon emphasized that these observations are preliminary and require further research, as they were based on a small group of women.
Not all women can use this therapy, particularly those with a history of specific cancers, blood clots, untreated high blood pressure, liver disease, or pregnancy.
Implications for Women’s Health
Alon hopes these findings encourage healthier habits before menopause rather than instill fear. He highlighted the importance of consulting healthcare professionals, especially if there are risk factors for bone, heart, or liver diseases.
The potential for using hormone therapy before menopause for disease prevention may be explored in future clinical trials.
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